Writing Standards > Writing Arguments with Evidence (CCSS.W.6.1) Practice Test

Students at our middle school should have longer recess. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, regular, unstructured play breaks help students return to class with better attention and behavior, which supports learning. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also recommends that kids get at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day, and extending recess helps us reach that goal. After my class comes back from our 15-minute break, my teacher notices we finish more math problems in less time, which shows how a short pause can improve focus. Of course, recess is also fun; everyone knows it is the best part of the day, and the new swings are awesome. But fun alone is not the point. Longer recess makes our bodies healthier and our minds ready to learn, so adding ten minutes to the schedule would benefit both students and teachers.

Students at our middle school should have longer recess. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, regular, unstructured play breaks help students return to class with better attention and behavior, which supports learning. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also recommends that kids get at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day, and extending recess helps us reach that goal. After my class comes back from our 15-minute break, my teacher notices we finish more math problems in less time, which shows how a short pause can improve focus. Of course, recess is also fun; everyone knows it is the best part of the day, and the new swings are awesome. But fun alone is not the point. Longer recess makes our bodies healthier and our minds ready to learn, so adding ten minutes to the schedule would benefit both students and teachers.